Smart ways to reduce those mounting bills

Household budgets have been under pressure this year, so make a resolution to switch to a better deal, says Ali Hussain

FINANCES have taken a battering in 2006, with inflation-busting rises in utility bills, mortgage fees and credit-card rates.

But there are plenty of ways that you could make it a more profitable new year. The average family could save itself more than £1,100 in 2007 by switching to the best deals, according to comparison firm Simply Switch.

Here are the best ways to save on everything from gas bills to broadband.

Utility bills

The past 12 months have been marked by an unprecedented number of hikes in gas and electricity bills — a total of 13 since January.

The latest come into effect tomorrow. Scottish and Southern Energy’s 7.5m customers will see gas prices increased by 12.2% and electricity costs go up 9.4%. This will add £92 to the average dual-fuel bill, according to Moneysupermarket, a price-comparison website.